HI Mark,
Yes well done Mark.I started out with 8X30's and I think that would be about the minimum for astronomy,although I have a pair of tiny 8X21's which I use for hillwalking.A few years ago while walking the hills of Glencoe on a beautiful sunny afternoon I remembered that the Moon was close to Jupiter and used them to spot Jupiter near the summit of Stob Dearg. Not a very scientific observation but a memorable one.[:)]
Regards Les.

[quote]ORIGINAL: Les
... I remembered that the Moon was close to Jupiter and used them to spot JupiterÂ near theÂ summit of Stob Dearg.Â Not a very scientific observation but a memorable one.[:)][/quote]

Les, we are into this for pleasure -- who gives a damn whether it was "scientific" -- it was an observation that moved your soul and that, in the final analysis, is all that matters.

FWIW I tend to use binoculars more than Telescope. have done for years. Also knocked over tripod with bins mounted too many times for comfort. Expensive too.
My first was Zenith 7 x 50s, then Pentax 10 x 50s another 10 x 50 from Jessops and my current 15 x 70 helios. They have all served me well at various times.
my wish list would include the Fujinon 25 x 150 but then that would mean a lottery win[:D]